A Worthy Saint?
24060 - Saint
Romans 16:2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Read the context: Romans 16
Ponder:
? What is the difference between "in a way worthy of the saints," and "as a worthy saint?"
? What does it mean to "welcome someone in the Lord?"
? Is Paul suggesting that Phoebe is worthy to be helped because she has served the church and been a patron (supporter) of Paul and others?
jne: "Worthy" is an interesting word. It is used both positively and negatively. We can say a person who does a good thing is worthy of thanks. We can say a criminal is worthy of punishment. It is a word that depends largely on the context in which it is used. Basically, we use the word to describe what a person has earned or deserves by their behaviors. For this reason we tend to think that Paul is saying that Phoebe has helped others and is therefore "worthy" of being helped herself. This may be partly true, because we are familiar with people, even Christians, who definitely have not earned and do not deserve to be helped with their needs.
It seems to me that Paul is using the word "worthy" in a significantly different way in this verse. And it is a difference that very significant. We should be able to agree that there is no one who has earned or deserved the title of "saint." Remember that the word is sometimes translated as "holy." No one is good enough to deserve being called a "saint," yet that is exactly what God calls His people throughout the Bible. It could be said that anyone who believes they are earning the right to be called a saint, are the very ones undeserving of the title.
To be brief, "saints" are worthy of respect and help because God Himself has chosen and gifted them with Himself and His LIFE. While it is true that every human being is created in the image of God, and thus very special, God has redeemed a people for His own possession and He calls them His Saints. Phoebe was worthy of help and respect because of what God made her, not because of what she was making of herself. While it does not specifically say it, we can assume that the reason Phoebe was a good servant and patron was because she recognized and appreciated the high calling of being God's saint. We should treat fellow believer with the respect and help they need, not because they make themselves worthy of it, but because God has made them His Saints. -468
Romans 16:2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Read the context: Romans 16
Ponder:
? What is the difference between "in a way worthy of the saints," and "as a worthy saint?"
? What does it mean to "welcome someone in the Lord?"
? Is Paul suggesting that Phoebe is worthy to be helped because she has served the church and been a patron (supporter) of Paul and others?
jne: "Worthy" is an interesting word. It is used both positively and negatively. We can say a person who does a good thing is worthy of thanks. We can say a criminal is worthy of punishment. It is a word that depends largely on the context in which it is used. Basically, we use the word to describe what a person has earned or deserves by their behaviors. For this reason we tend to think that Paul is saying that Phoebe has helped others and is therefore "worthy" of being helped herself. This may be partly true, because we are familiar with people, even Christians, who definitely have not earned and do not deserve to be helped with their needs.
It seems to me that Paul is using the word "worthy" in a significantly different way in this verse. And it is a difference that very significant. We should be able to agree that there is no one who has earned or deserved the title of "saint." Remember that the word is sometimes translated as "holy." No one is good enough to deserve being called a "saint," yet that is exactly what God calls His people throughout the Bible. It could be said that anyone who believes they are earning the right to be called a saint, are the very ones undeserving of the title.
To be brief, "saints" are worthy of respect and help because God Himself has chosen and gifted them with Himself and His LIFE. While it is true that every human being is created in the image of God, and thus very special, God has redeemed a people for His own possession and He calls them His Saints. Phoebe was worthy of help and respect because of what God made her, not because of what she was making of herself. While it does not specifically say it, we can assume that the reason Phoebe was a good servant and patron was because she recognized and appreciated the high calling of being God's saint. We should treat fellow believer with the respect and help they need, not because they make themselves worthy of it, but because God has made them His Saints. -468